Research: Being single increases dementia risk

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Being single or widowed increases the risk of dementia, according to findings presented at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference in London on Monday.

The research suggested that being single increased the chance of getting dementia by 42%, while those who were widowed had the chance go up by 25%.

"There is compelling research showing married people generally live longer and enjoy better health, with many different factors likely to be contributing to that link. People who are married tend to be financially better off, a factor that is closely interwoven with many aspects of our health,” Dr. Laura Phipps from Alzheimer’s Research UK said.

But experts suggest no extra risk for the divorced.

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The research was collected after the review of 14 studies. It was carried by scholars from University College London and Camden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust.

Phipps suggested spouses might contribute in developing healthy habit and providing necessary social support.

"Spouses may help to encourage healthy habits, look out for their partner's health and provide important social support… Research suggests that social interaction can help to build cognitive reserve - a mental resilience that allows people to function for longer with a disease like Alzheimer's before showing symptoms.”

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Phipps attached great significance of physical, mental and social activeness, saying those are the important aspects of a healthy lifestyle despite people’s marital status.

Dementia or Alzheimer’s disease (AD) usually occurs to people over the age of 65 and is associated with an ongoing decline of the brain and its abilities.

(Resource: Agencies)